Changes in subjective stress experiences and self-efficacy beliefs of preschool teachers in Germany: A longitudinal study during 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study collected monthly data between September 2020 and August 2021 to document the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for German preschool teachers during different pandemic phases. This longitudinal study investigated how subjective stress experiences and self-efficacy beliefs of preschool teachers (N = 279) change over time and explored associations on the inter- and intraindividual level. We observed phase-specific changes in subjective stress experiences and interindividual differences in change rates, but no systematic increase across the entire study period. Results also highlight self-efficacy beliefs as a resource for preschool teachers, which should be strengthened to better face stress experiences.